The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has partnered with ASC Sensors to break new ground in structural testing and monitoring through the development of digital twin technology. As part of the DFG’s SPP 2388 “One Hundred Plus” program, BAM is conducting innovative research on the historic Nibelungen Bridge in Worms to extend the service life of critical infrastructure.
The project, which began in 2023, focuses on deploying advanced sensor systems from ASC’s AiSys® ECO series to monitor and analyze the structural health of the bridge. The goal is to develop predictive maintenance methods using smart sensors that record real-time data on stress, strain, and environmental conditions. This data is integrated into a digital twin model, enabling more accurate forecasting of maintenance needs and improving long-term safety.
Dr. Ralf Herrmann, BAM’s civil engineering scientist, highlighted the importance of the project: “We are developing a new approach to ensure infrastructure longevity with less effort, applying these methods to historically significant structures like the Nibelungen Bridge, as well as to other critical bridges in the road and rail network.”
The use of ASC’s MEMS-based acceleration sensors enables more efficient and flexible monitoring. The project’s findings will not only ensure the safety of the Nibelungen Bridge but also set the foundation for extending the life of similar structures across Germany and beyond.
Reference: https://www.asc-sensors.de/en/news-en/from-the-nibelungs-to-the-digital-twin/
